Abstract: Countless amounts of money are lost every year on the theft of valuable objects. Therefore, the security of such objects provides financial as well as social benefits. The goal of our project was to create a museum-style security system to detect the entry of unauthorized people into a secure room as well as to detect the removal of a protected object. If either situation is encountered, then the system will set off an alarm. The system will be controlled via a standard telephone keypad and an LCD (liquid crystal display) module. The intruder detection system will have three levels of security: off, level I (object only), and level 2 (object and room). We will allow dynamic selection of which sensor signals to use within each of the different levels of protections. Furthermore, a panic button on the control panel can be used to immediately set off the alarm. The room sensors consist of a motion detector and magnetic contact sensor on the door. The object sensors consist of a tamper switch, a dynamic weight sensor, and a laser bounce system. Reliability data will be collected by attempting to break into the protected lab and steal the object.
Abstract: It was predicted that sex-typed females would prefer mates with larger body types than their own and sex-typed males would prefer mates with smaller body types than their own. The specific sex-typing (whether masculine or feminine) was not expected to differentiate the groups, but rather thc sex-typing versus non-sex-typing. Single, heterosexual volunteers from a general psychology class (N = 60) filled out several self-report surveys, which included a demographic sheet, the Bem Sex Role Inventory, and a questionnaire regarding perceptions of body types. It was found that females desired a mate with a significantly larger body type than did males. Results also showed that gender typing had no significant effect on perceptions of body types.
Abstract:
The summer of 1997 involved research dealing with the organometallic compound, Mn(CO)5Br, and its reactivity with various primary and secondary amines. Using infrared spectroscopy, the course of each reaction was followed and tbe subsequent products were determined. These reactions yielded three types of products: monosubstituted, disubstitutcd. and amido complex. Although tbis project provided useful information, it also generated some interesting observations. In two different reactions, an amido intermediate formed within one minute and quickly disappeared. It was also very difficult to obtain any reliable NMR spectra of any reaction product. Therefore. the research of the summer of 1998 focused on trying to isolate the amido complex in reactions where it was an intermediate, and also trying to obtain reliable NMR spectra.
Reactions were run in both ether and chloroform in attempt to isolate tbe amido complex. Infrared spectroscopy indicated that the amido was indeed isolated in many of the reactions. However, these products failed to show signals on the NMR. It was difficult in general to obtain any reliable NMR spectra. This was a significant problem and caused difficulty in interpreting the spectra with any significant confidence. Perhaps in the future, this problem can be further studied and corrected.
Abstract: Our project involves detecting where trains are located on a track layout and then driving the correct track signals to the conductor. The track has seven sections of track, or blocks, and it is our task to determine which blocks are occupied and which are not. Once this is determined, we must light the appropriate signals on the track so the trains know whether they may proceed or not. We accomplished this with infrared detectors and a microprocessor. Our analysis is fairly simple, if we receive the appropriate signals and process them correctly, we will see the correct output on the track layout. While this project is only being done on a model layout, it could theoretically be used in a real world application. Safety is a very important consideration in the world both for today and the future.
Abstract: In the midst of the deplorable racial and gender injustice of the 1920's, a remarkable American literary phenomenon began. What is now known as the Harlem Renaissance demonstrated profound artistic talent and empowerment coming from a group which had long been denied respect in the literary world; emerging black writers such as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Jean Toomer amazed the literary community with their prose and poetry. Three female novelists, Jessie Fauset, Zora Neale Hurston, and Nella Larsen. made significant contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and moved in circles with established Renaissance writers like Hughes and Du Bois. Unfortunately. the works of these female authors often fall in the shadows of better known male Renaissance authors. This project will focus on the significant works of these authors and their strong messages concerning issues of racial identity and class.
Abstract: The last few years have seen a growing interest in and resort to conflict resolution techniques to address conflicts in Africa and elsewhere. This interest has resulted in a proliferation of NGOs (Non-Governrnental Organizations) attempting to develop conflict resolution programs or units within their structures. In addition, governments and intergovernmental organizations have begun devoting resources to conflict resolution. All these developments have introduced a new paradigm for dealing with conflicts, one, which stresses the usc of constructive conflict prevention, management and resolution techniques. There is an emphasis on the positive role of the various peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding approaches. This has created a positive climate for conflict resolution. In this context ACCORUs (African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes) aim is to influence political developments across the continent by bringing conflict resolution to the forefront as a peaceful alternative to violence and protracted violence. It is timely for ACCORD's move from building a culture of conflict resolution to institutionalizing it, placing the emphasis on building capacity, structures and processes in conflict resolution within governments and civil society organizations. The objective of this report is to present ACCORD as a leading organization that has committed itself to the positive resolution of destructive conflicts that still plague the continent of Africa
Abstract: The Federal Highway Administration reports about 30% of the nation's 589,243 bridges to be deficient functionally or structurally. The majority of the structurally deficient bridges are short spans, averaging less than 50 ft (l5 m) in length. The bridge inventory accounts for structures with span lengths greater than 20 feet (6 m). The high number of deficient bridges means that a considerable number of bridges are being recommended for weight-limiting posting, rehabilitation, or decommissioning and replacement. This project investigates experimentally and through finite element analysis the effect that pot-holes have on the load distribution and the performance of deteriorated concrete slab bridges. This project assesses the effect of deterioration in simple span concrete slab bridges by subjecting one-fifteenth scale models with pot-holes present to truck loading. Simulated AASHTO HS 20 live truck loading was applied at various locations on the model to determine the strain patterns associated with various load positions. Electric resistance strain gages were mounted on the upper surface of the slab to measure the strains. By comparing the laboratory data to the finite element analysis results it is determined that pot-holes cause strain values in the slabs at least 50% higher than those currently specified by AASHTO.
Abstract: In 1947 Michael Alpatoff composed a theory that, insightful as it proved to be, was missing a binding piece. In "The Parallelism of Giotto's Paduan Frescoes'' he discussed the correlation between the bottom two rows of paintings in teens of vertical theme and form. Yet, he failed to mention the third layer. This top layer is also intertwined in these theological and figural connections. One theme is present in "The Annunciation of Anne, " "The Adoration of the Magi," and "The Washing of the Feet." This vertical trio expresses humility in meaning and in the repetition of a central kneeling figure. Other trios express themes such as evil and sacrifice. Thc symbolism is significant in trinitarian theology. Through integrating three picture-links Giorto creates a system that portrays the true essence and meaning of the salvation story.
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to investigate robotics, sensors and artificial intelligence through creating an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) standard "Micromouse". After an extensive design process, we have constructed and programmed a completely autonomous maze-solving robot. We use infrared sensors, an HCI 1 microprocessor and several other on-board logic and control devices. In addition we have conceived of and built an IEEE standard Micromouse maze. This maze has interchangeable wall sections and has very precise specifications. The maze solving robot is able to "map" out the maze and then find the shortest route from start to finish using mapping and shortest-path algorithms.
Abstract: The yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) obtains food by drilling holes in certain trees and eating the sap. Previous research on this phenomenon has focused mainly on angiosperms, and little research has been done on gymnosperms. This study examines tree preferences of the sapsucker among venous pine trees in northwestern Indiana. emphasizing the preferences between native and non-native pines. Three types of sapsucker holes were sampled on the main boles of trees. Holes per square meter were determined on individuals of four different pine species, black pine (Pinus nigra). scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), red pine (Pinus resinosa), and white pine (Pinus strobus); the latter two being the native species, and the former two the non-naive. There were significantly more holes in the black pine than in all other species. Within the black pines, no significant difference was found between the number of horizontal, vertical, and single holes. The scorch pines had relatively few holes, and the red and white pines had no holes. This strong preference for black pines could be a result of the nutrient levels, sap quality, or other tree characteristics. Further research is needed to explore the sapsucker's apparent' preference for non-nadve pines.
Abstract: Tiny explants of amphibian embryonic tissues can rearrange into architectures mimicking normal embryos, even when combined in aberrant starting positions. These tissues act like viscous liquids: they round up, fuse and even sort out into separate phases. Measurements confirm that these aggregates possess definitive liquid properties: tissue surface tensions appropriate to guide their motions. Ordinary liquid droplets change shape only by rearrangements of their subunits (molecules), while similar changes in a solid require subunit stretching. When endoderm aggregates were compressed in vitro, their cells did rearrange to relax internal stretching, as would liquid subunits. But, are these behaviors mere artifacts of organ culture? Can the cells of an intact, living organism rearrange like molecules in a liquid? To find out, we gently compressed living embryos between parallel plates. SEMs showed that initially undistorted cells of the endoderm quickly became stretched. However, after ten minutes of compression, these cells had returned to their undistorted shapes by cellular rearrangements. Therefore, endoderrn should be modeled as an elasticoviscous liquid and not as an elastic solid. This novel demonstration of in vivo liquidity reaffirms the analysis of amphibian gastrulation by the differential adhesion hypothesis (where strengths of adhesion are measurable as surface tensions).
Abstract: We use hierarchical layout methods to combine fundamental Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) devices into more complex logical devices, including a 2-to- 1 multiplexer, a 4to-1 multiplexer, and an eight-function bit-slice Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). The ALU unit is implemented using 1245 cells, making it the largest QCA device ever designed and simulated. This hierarchical design method is possible because the Coulombic interaction between QCA cells is very local in nature. Since distant cells have very little effect on each other, the state of a cell can be very well approximated by considering only those cells that are near it. In a QCA device, nearby cells are usually part of the same functional unit, so we can design each functional unit separately, connect them with appropriate binary wires, and then simulate the entire device to verify its correct operation.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine if gender and experience affect one's view and definition of domestic violence This study compares the responses of fifty male and fifty female college students selected randomly from various academic specialties and levels of college education. The respondents are presented with a questionnaire that determines which behaviors they consider to be domestic violence. This study also examines the effect that personal or family experience has on the students' classifications of behaviors as domestic violence. This study has been developed over the course of this semester and will be completed within a total of four months. The results from this study can be used to develop and enhance approaches for working with domestic violence victims, their families or friends. Or other domestic violence issues within the social work profession.
Abstract: The long term goal of this project is to harness microbes to perform the difficult, labor-intensive task of synthesizing useful chemicals. Specifically, we are attempting to develop biocatalytic methods for preparing lactones, a class of molecules that include several important pharmaceutical agents and insect pheromones. As a further challenge, we are attempting to prepare lactones that are purely the "right-hand" or the "left-hand" form (if a molecule can exist m "right-hand" and "left-hand" forms, then it is vay difficult to synthesize anything other than an equal mixture of"right-hand" and "left-hand" molecules). This is an important goal since biological systems usually respond differently to the "right- and left-hand" forms.
Abstract: The time is 416 B.C. in the evening. The setting is a gathering of prominent men joined together to celebrate the political victories of the host Agathon. This occasion, recorded in Plato's The Symposium, is remarkable especially for the entertainment chosen for the evening because the men offer panegyrics in praise of love, the great Eros himself. The time is now 1999. Rather than examining the similarities and differences between these panegyrics using techniques in the humanities, this paper will achieve the same level of understanding and insight using graph theory. The formulated digraphs are not only representative of the aspects of Eros praised in The Symposium but also can be used to measure a mathematical distance between the ideas of the different speakers. In addition, this new technique will also give us a method of comparing readers' individual interpretations of this classic P1atonic text.
Abstract: In the past 25 years, fractals have surfaced as excellent models for natural systems from landscapes to Wallstreet stock values. Fractals are essentially anything that is self-similar throughout levels of detail. It has been shown that music is fractal in nature, so fractal algorithms can be used to generate music that is pleasing to the ear.
Most fractal methods produce strings of data. To give this data meaning, it must be interpreted; the traditional interpretation is representing the data as an image, but it can be used to represent note patterns.
We use two main fractal methods in creating our fractal music. One is L-systems. Lsystems are the repeated replacement of characters in a string with its set production rules. We interpret the resulting strings as either notes, chords, or musical instructions. The other algorithm consists of generating pink noise by means of Brownian motion with fractal dimensions near 1.4 by means of random midpoint displacement and random cuts. We interpret the resulting numerical data as either notes or rhythms.
We took our fractal music to many willing listeners. We asked them to compare the musical quality of several of our pieces of music. This helped us tweak the parameters to get more "musical" sounding output
Abstract: Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) was used to analyze the fine structure of human metaphase chromosomes for their Ca and Mg content. SIMS provides qualitative information about chromosomes in the form of images, as well as quantitative information about thc amount of Ca and Mg in chromosomes. It is suggested that these two elements help to stabilize and add structure to chromosomes. Organic polymer substrates doped with variable concentrations of Ca and Mg were used to calibrate the SIMS instrument. The results of this calibration was used to determine the concentration of Ca and Mg in chromosomes as well as the number of Ca and b~g per nucleotide. S~S revealed a nonuniform distribution of Ca and Mg in thc calibration substrata. This observation is explained in terms of the redistribution of Ca and Mg during preparation of the substrates.
Abstract: When a craftsman attempts to bend a piece of wood one method that can be used is to the use kerf cut technique. A kerf cut is simply a notch cut into the plywood to allow it to bend. In the September 1996 issue of The Family Handyman an algorithm is presented to form a semicircle using the kerf cut method. This paper is an analysis of how close of an approximation this is to a real circle. First demonstrating that the craftsman does not actually achieve a semi circle. We then derive a method of approximating the difference showing which method of finishing adding glue and laminate or sanding is better.
Abstract. The study investigated the effects of victim sex, aggressor sex, and degree of relationship (roommate versus couple) on attributions and judgments regarding interpersonal violence. Participants responded to one of eight scenarios; four described same-sexed and opposite-sexed roommates and four described same-sexed and opposite-sexed couples. A 2(victim sex) x 2(perpetrator sex) x 2(relationship type) ANOVA revealed that the crime was perceived as most violent when the perpetrator and victim are female couples and least violent when the perpetrator and victim were female roommates. Participants reported that they would be more likely to call the police when a woman was the victim with the exception of the scenario in which the perpetrator was a female. Furthermore, in terms of seriousness, when the individuals involved were roommates, the crimes were perceived as most serious when the aggressor was a male and the victim was a female and least serious when the perpetrator and the victim were of the same sex. However, in couple relationships, the crime was perceived as most serious when the victim was a female and the aggressor was male and least serious when the aggressor was female and victim was male. A number of other interesting results were found. Implications of these findings will be discussed in terms of societal stereotypes.
Abstract: If a solution is known to the Schroedinger wave equation for an atom, we know everything we possibly can about that atom. Thus far, though, this equation has only been analytically solved for hydrogen, the simplest atom. This is not due to a lack of knowledge of chemistry by those working to solve it, but rather to the inadequacy of current mathematics to present a relatively straightforward way to solve the Schroedinger equation. In this research project, an attempt was made to solve the wave equation for helium, the simplest atom other than hydrogen, by using a "change of coordinate systems" technique. Mathematical techniques of creating orthogonal coordinates, orthogonalizing vectors in six-dimensional vector space, and solving differential equations were used in this process. Although no solution was found, several methods of searching for a solution were ruled out as ineffective and avenues for further attempts at solution were found.
Abstract: By the year 2019 humankind will have successfully put a person on the surface of Mars. Before this can happen, however, the resources and technology needed to explore, and even to live on Mars will have to be tested and improved upon. The best environment to do this in is found on the lunar surface. Unlike the man's first trips to the moon, this time it will be to stay. Plans for permanent living structures are already being developed. Once these stations, or lunar outposts, have been built, transportation between locations will be vital. The safest and most economical way of doing this is by using a roadway. The design of this roadway is the focus of this project.
Because the moon presents an environment that in many ways is different from the terrestrial environment, every aspect of the roadway design process must be reexamined and investigated. The project will follow the same steps that are taken when designing a terrestrial roadway, but will involve several modifications to account for items such as the reduced gravitational pull of the moon, the almost non-existent lunar atmosphere, and the unique soil characteristics that exist on the moon.
Abstract: This experiment was developed for the undergraduate organic chemistry course. It is an original experiment designed to illustrate the following principles and techniques: (1) kinetic versus thermodynamic control of a reaction; (2) methods to be used and pitfalls to be avoided in identification of reaction products; (3) use of molecular modeling for identification of the thermodynamically controlled reaction product. The experiment is unique in that the competition between thermodynamic control and kinetic control takes place between two functional groups on a single molecule competing for a single reagent. No other experiment in thc literature has this advantageous characteristic. A paper by the persons mentioned above describing this experiment has been accepted for publication in thc Journal of Chemical Education.
Abstract: The three experimenters' hypothesis was that women and those who have experienced trauma would report a greater paranormal belief using Tobayck's Paranormal Belief Scale. The method that was used was a self-report and Tobayck's Belief Scale. Results were that those who reported trauma reported higher paranormal belief and there was no significant difference between the sexes. From this experiment, one can surmise that having experienced trauma leads to a greater paranormal belief.
Abstract: My research looked at the role media plays in congressional campaigns and how money influences the power of media visibility. The primary goal of this project was to look at the effects of negative campaigning on an election process. I used the 1998 special election in New Mexico as a case study. My three hypotheses were 1) Voter turnout will be higher if candidates engage in negative campaigning, 2) Negative political advertisements will move polling numbers faster than other forms of campaigning, and 3) The more money a candidate has at his/her disposal. the more they will use it on negative political advertisements. My research concluded that each one of these hypotheses were true. The difficulty in studying elections are that each campaign is unique according to the individuals involved. Further research of a variety of campaigns would need to be done in order to validate my research. In order to complete this research I used FEC reports submitted by the candidates, as well as television, newspaper. and radio advertisements produced by the candidates. Furthermore. I used polling numbers developed by- the newspapers and by a candidate's campaign. I also consulted research done by other institutions to support my findings.
Abstract: Canada currently enjoys extensive social programs, the most notable of which is its universal health care policy. Searching for thc intellectual roots of Canada's social reform, one discovers that instead of the impetus for such reform coming from the elite echelons of society (i.e. intellectuals, philanthropists, or politicians) the movement originated in sparsely-populated farming communities in Saskatchewan. There, people already accustomed to sharing resources simply to survive politicized their lifestyle through the 1933~born socialist party, the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF). Led by farmers, teachers, union reps, and ministers, this party captured 47 of the S3 seats in Saskatchewan's parliament in 1944 and led the provincial government for nearly 20 years. The CCF's long term grass roots support allowed it to enact socialist programs such as universal health care. Although the party had only limited success nationally, its health programs became so popular that within fifteen years the federal government hat undertaken the same tasks. This upside down intellectual history, one in which ~e ideas came from the broadest level of society, offers new ways of envisioning social change and the possibilities for democratic government.
Abstract: This Project presents Graphic Sequential An (i.e., Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Japanese manga, and European bande dessinnee') as a legitimate area of inquiry for evaluation of psychological patients (with emphasis on disturbed adolescents) as Projective Art Therapy,. Done as an Honors Thesis, Section 1 examines the history of Sequential Art from Neolithic times to the present day. Section 2 examines the Twentieth Century history of Sequential Art within the socio-historical context of the times it w as created and discusses the influences these contexts had on modern Sequential Art. Section 3 examines how Sequential Art is then interpretable as a form of Art Therapy by the Projections a client expresses through Graphic Sequential Art, as well as the forms of Art with which they identify, . Section 4 discusses the psychological implications of Sequential Art from a Jungian Art Therapy standpoint as expressions of archetypical ideas. Section 5 discusses the decline in popularity of comic books in American culture and societal acceptability of comic books to this day as an expression of the cultural differences that exist in American Markets for Graphic Sequential Art. Finally, Section 6 examines The Batman as a case study as an examination of Pantheons of Heroic Images.
Abstract: Apoptosis is the name given to the process by which a cell follows a genetically determined sequence of steps that bang about its self-induced death. The goal of this project was to measure the ability of gamma and neutron radiation to cause sufficient genetic damage in Drosophila melanogaster Schneider S2 cell culture that cells will undergo apoptosis. This project was unique in that nearly all previous research has been conducted on tissue sections and whole organisms rather than on independent cells in culture. Cultures containing identical concentrations of cells were irradiated at predetermined dosages of either 0.662 MeV gamma radiation from a Cesium- 137 source or approximately 14 MeV neutrons. Following each trial, the cultures were stained with picric acid, a stain that birds to the single-stranded DNA generated during apoptotic death, and a representative sample was viewed under a light microscope. The percentage of cells that underwent apoptosis was determined and compared to that of identical control groups not subjected to radiation. A sufficient number of trials at varying dosages produced a curve of the percentage of apoptotic cells versus exposure.
Abstract: Proto-planetary nebulae (PPN) are stars that have evolved past the red giant stage and have lost most of the gases in their outer atmospheres. As part of a 1arger project at Valparaiso University, we have determined that most PPN vary in brightness. Theoretical models suggest that the period of variation in brightness is inversely proportional to the temperature. However, this has not been confirmed observationally. Two PPN which we have found to exhibit short-term variability were selected for the purpose of finding their periods and comparing those periods to theoretical predictions based on the stars' temperatures. Observations of each were made on approximately 20 nights using the CCD camera at the Valparaiso University Observatory. Several different techniques were utilized in the period-searching process. I will present the results of these observations and the period searches.
Abstract: The long-term goals of this study are 1) to learn more about the means by which a protein is sent to a specific region within a cell and 2) to characterize the biochemical differences between young and old cells. Here we report the preliminary results of our study involving a protein called Galectin-3, in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. John Wang at Michigan State University.
Galectin-3 is involved in the processing of messenger RNA, the molecule that provides the blueprints for making proteins. Galectin-3 has been found in different regions of a cell, depending upon the age and synthetic activity of the cell. We present data illustrating the development of a system to study the means of targeting Galectin-3 within a cell. Fragments of Galectin-3 were attached to a fluorescent protein through recombinant DNA (genetic engineering) techniques. Regions of a cell containing the newly synthesized protein glowed green upon illumination with a laser. With the help of a fluorescent microscope, Nancy Lin (at Michigan State) detected the intracellular location of each of the Galectin-3 fragments.
Abstract: As European imperialism increased throughout the world, native peoples of various lands sought to make improvements to their ways of life. One such movement took place in Kenya. involving the Kikuyu African tribe. Education of these people had primarily been missionary based, until the 1920's, when a series of events led to a drive for reform. Following a controversial ban on the Kikuyu practice of female circumcision, the Kikuyu Independent School's Movement would begin, lasting nearly three decades.
The study of these schools is one of a series of highs and lows, a contrast of ideologies, and an exciting revelation of African creativity and innovation. Not only were these schools able to exist amidst staunch opposition, they were able to thrive. This study also offers a look at colonial Europe, and how they responded to grass roots movements toward independence. It further explores the missionary movements of imperialistic powers such as Great Britain, and relates them to traditional practices among native Africans.
By taking the bottom-up approach, this paper is able to determine the extent of the African independence movement, by examining a group which was able to succeed with little support from a world power. In the end, the reader should come away with an appreciation for a people they have little or no familiarity with, but were able to make a mark on the historical stage of our universe.
Abstract: The "schema matching" model of occupational gender bias suggests that discrimination in sex-typed jobs is mediated by inferences about the ability to perform "task-oriented" vs. "relations-oriented" job behaviors, and that "female-typed" jobs are seen as relations-oriented and "male-typed" jobs are seen as task oriented. This proposition was investigated by assessing introductory psychology students' perceptions of the relative importance of relations skills and task skills for effective job performance in eight sex-typed jobs: nurses, lawyers' managers, janitors, college professors, engineers, cashiers, and computer specialists. These jobs were then categorized as to their similarities and differences in perceived task- vs. relations-orientation. Results indicated that neither task nor relations skills were seen as important in janitors. Both skills were seen as important in nurses. Relations skills were seen as more important than task skills in cashiers, while task skills were seen as more important than relations skills in computer specialists. Factor analyses indicated that two groups emerged based on similarities in the rated importance of relations skills: (1) janitor, engineer, and computer specialists and (2) professor, nurse, lawyer, and manager. Analyses of rated importance of task skills revealed that computer specialist and engineer formed one group and cashier, manger, professor, lawyer, and nurse formed the second group. These classifications will be employed in future studies investigating gender bias in hiring in these jobs.
Abstract: Focusing on the recent welfare reforms and their effect on women and children receiving government benefits, this research will study the difference between the way seniors of different majors perceive and approach social problems. A questionnaire measuring attitudes and approaches toward women in poverty will be given to senior-level undergraduates. A random sample size of sixty will consist of psychology, economics and social work majors. A qualitative analysis of the data will determine whether different fields of study have unique perspectives in their interactions with social problems. This data will then be used to educate others about the unique approaches of a social worker. This project will dispel misunderstandings or myths of the various approaches of the three disciplines when addressing social problems.
Abstract: To assess the perceptions and causes of homelessness through the eyes of families in shelters in Lake and Porter Counties. This exploratory research project will include interviewing agency directors of homeless shelters in Lake and Porter County.
Our study of the homeless will aid in determining how locality influences service delivery for the homeless population. This research will give thc means to work towards social work interventions to help empower homeless families.
The specific methods used In assessing the causes of homelessness will include interviewing of both the homeless and agency directors. We will also use the latest statistical data gathered by local homeless service providers.
If all goes as planned, we will determine which types of services and shelters would be most beneficial as well as which locations within this region would serve the homeless population most effectively using demographics.
Abstract: Representatives from the Family and Youth Services Bureau, the Porter County Boys and Girls Club, and the Community Research and Service Center created a survey to measure the community assets of Porter County. Based on research from the Search Institute, forty developmental assets were identified as being necessary for the evolution of healthy children. These assets are grouped into eight categories: support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity. The assets were then formed into questions to be ranked on scale from one to seven. 310 surveys were distributed among the Family and Youth Services Bureau, the Boys and Girls Club, the Welfare Department, the Juvenile Detention and Probation Departments, court personnel and teachers and administration of Porter County. Survey results were entered into Microcase, a data analysis software program, in order to be examined. The data clearly supports that increasing prevalence of these assets in a particular community leads to a healthier development of children. Overall, Porter County's average mean was 4.02. Results indicated that assets pertaining to family and schools ranked among the highest assets. Conversely, the lowest ranking assets concern community involvement.
Abstract: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome causes severe birth defects and even death in many children. By studying the effects of alcohol concentration on the rate of cell apoptosis it was thought that a better understanding of the mechanism responsible for the effects FAS could be elucidated. 100% ethanol was diluted with deionized water to simulate the effects of beer, wine and vodka on Drosophila Schneider S2 cells. These concentrations resemble the types of drinks that a mother might have, thus exposing her fetus to this amount of alcohol as well. The number of living, dead and apoptotic cells were counted and compare them with the cell activity in the control. Trials conducted at a seven day intervals revealed that apoptotic cells occurred at a frequency greater than 95% for solutions containing 5% 10% and 40% alcohol by volume. However, these findings are invalid due to the presence of bacteria in the control solution. The one and three day trials showed that the apoptotic frequency increased with alcohol concentration. Although the conclusions could not be drawn from the seven day test the one and three day tests reveal that higher alcohol concentrations induce higher rates of apoptosis in cells.
Abstract: The concept of an automated hazardous leak detector can be used in a wide variety of applications, including use on the new international space station. It would eliminate the need for a person to risk his/her life searching for a potentially deadly leak. The objective of this design project is to design an autonomous robot that searches a given area for a simulated hazardous material leak. A candle burning at a given height simulates the leak. This project includes selecting appropriate hardware, including microprocessor, navigation sensors, flame detector, as well as interfacing the components and building a working unit as well as develop a working search algorithm, which could be modified for other uses as well.
Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to explore the controversy surrounding the translation of Job 42:6 as represented by Holy Bible: New International Version. This translation renders Job's final words to God as "Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." One school of thought (represented in this paper by Waltor R Roehrs and Paul Scherer) holds that Job is indeed in need of repentance, having challenged and having been silenced by God. However, a more modern school of thought (represented in this paper by Stephen Mitchell and Raymond Scheindlin) holds that the correct interpretation of the word translated as "repent" (naham in Hebrew) is translated more frequently as "comfort" or "relent". Thus, these scholars deny that Job needed to be sorry for having challenged God. The debate raises questions about how much theology plays a part in influencing translation decisions.
The paper begins with a brief description of the above problem. The paper then lists and describes over sixty occurrences of the word naham taken from a variety of canonized texts. All passages examined are cited by book, chapter, and verse in the NIV text. Mitchell's claim that the word is more frequently translated as "comfort" or "repent" is verified and admitted. The paper then focuses on the work of the four aforementioned scholars and concludes by commenting upon the discussion as to whether the theology that demands Job's apology to God justifies an apparently unorthodox translation of the word naham in lob 42:6.
Abstract: A standard topic in organic chemistry books is that a secondary amine reacts with an aldehyde or ketone to produce an enamine. However, when the same aldehyde or ketone is combined with a secondary amine containing a methanol or ethanol side chain, instead of an enamine an N-fused bridgehead ring system is formed. The nucleophilic oxygen of the methanol or ethanol side chains attacks the a-carbon of the aldehyde or ketone forming 3-oxa-1-azabicyclo[4.3.0]nonanes or 3-oxa-1-azabicyclo[4.4.0]. This novel reaction has only been reported in a limited number of journal articles. This project reports the synthesis of over twenty various substituted fused ring systems. Purification of the product, if a liquid, requires high vacuum distillation, if a solid then recrstalization in hexane is needed. Mass spectroscopy, Infrared, and NMR techniques can be used to identity the structure of the fused ring systems. IR bands in the 2500 - 3000 cm-1 region. Bohlman bands. verify that the stereochemistry is bans rather than cis fusion. The extreme heat of the mass spec column pyrolyzes the product to a structure 43 mass units less than the mass of the synthesized compound for various 2-substituted-3-oxa-1azabicyclo[4.4.0]decances.
Abstract: The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) produces the "Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges." These specifications provide accepted methods of design and analysis for various types of bridges, including horizontally skewed slab bridges. However, thc specifications for skewed slabs are only valid to a 30 degree skew angle. This investigation attempts to verify AASHTO treatment of slabs with skew angles greater than 30 degrees. Determining the effect of skewness on the load distribution in slabs makes verification possible. This investigation analyzes slabs of 34 by 40 feet, with skew angles of 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees. For each slab, three methods of investigation are used. First, the prescribed AASHTO method is used. Next, each slab is modeled and finite element analyses are performed. Finally, in experimental analysis, model slabs are constructed to a one-fifteenth scale. Strain gages are placed on the slabs, and AASHTO truck loads are applied. For all methods, the maximum strain values for the given loading conditions are determined and compared. The 0 and 15 degree skew angle slabs have been tested and analyzed, and have encouraging results. The strain values from the analyses are similar, and warrant continuing the investigation using the procedures described above.
Abstract: A survey assessed V.U. students' knowledge of campus recycling (e.g., what items are recyclable, locations of recycling centers}, beliefs about ecological issues (e.g., human-environment relationships), and willingness to recycle. Two-week baseline measurements of amount of recycling and contamination were obtained in Alumni, Lankenau and Brandt Halls. Then a "two-sort" system of recycling and new recycling signs were introduced along with an educational campaign to promote this system. Posters providing feedback of amount of recycling were prominently displayed in Alumni and Lankenau Halls, but not in Brandt. Finally, a sorting technique was also introduced in Lankenau Hall in which residents were given a four-week supply of yellow recycling bags to facilitate use of the two-sort system. Recycling/contamination measurements were continued for a four-week period to assess changes from baseline. The recycling survey was re-administered to assess any changes in knowledge and beliefs about recycling, and willingness to recycle Analyses will also compare the relative effectiveness of signage only (Brandt), signage plus feedback (Alumni) and signage plus feedback and yellow recycling bags (Lankenau). Results of initial analyses will be presented and discussed.
Abstract: There is little knowledge of the food habits of native creek chubs, or knowledge of how they would compete with non-native largemouth bass, in Kansas. Therefore, the purpose of this study was two-fold; (1) to determine the food habits of creek chubs, and (2) determine predation rates of creek chubs and largemouth bass on southern redbelly dace. Creek chubs were collected from Four-Mile Creek on Fort Riley and from Kings Creek on Konza Prairie. Food habits of creek chubs collected from Four-Mile Creek consisted of aquatic invertebrates (71%; mean percent composition), terrestrial invertebrates (15%) and unidentified invertebrates (15%). However, the din of creek chubs from Kings Creek consisted of more terrestrial invertebrates (73%) than aquatic invertebrates (27%). In the laboratory predation study, largemouth bass had a significantly higher (P<0.0001; mean=2.8) piscivory rate (number of dace per day) than creek chubs (mean=0.5). The difference in food habits between these two populations may be due to differences in the fish assemblage between the creeks. Although no fish were found in the food habits data, creek chubs did exhibit piscivory in the laboratory experiment. However, the impacts of piscivory on stream fish communities by largemouth bass are likely greater than creek chubs.
Abstract. The MEGA experiment is designed to search for the lepton number conservation violating process Amuon-- positron gamma subatomic particles, or to establish an upper limit on the branching ratio measure: of the probability of this decay. The MEGA experiment was performed at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility and data analysis is now nearly completed. My contribution was a study of how the number of events making it through specific analysis program filters changed over time. The results of my work will be used to determine variations in the detector efficiencies for observing a MEGA event so one can obtain an accurate estimate of the number of muons which were stopped in our detector system.
Abstract: Multiple sources consulted agree on the date of the premiere of Mozart's Don Giovanni and on the names of the original cast members. Sources disagreed on whether or not the overture was really written the night before the premiere, a story supported by many writers. My research did not reveal much about the individual cast members, and Dent notes that not much is known about them. There is not discrepancy about the location of the premiere (Prague), although only one of my sources mentions the theatre by name. The purpose of the annotated bibliography and poster is to provide a background information on the conditions of the first performance, including reviews.
Abstract: "The soil was ready" in Piotr llyich Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony when he composed it in 1877. It springs forth from a single musical idea, appropriately labeled "fate" by both its temper and in its reference to Beetboven's Fifth Symphony. (Tchaikovsky was an admirer of the works of Beethoven and, in particular, his Fifth Symphony). "Fate" makes itself known in thc opening brass fanfare that piercingly accentuates a single pitch. It struggles to rise but is brought down by an ominous descending scale. It soon fades into the background as the symphony begins its grappling with "fate." Whether it is the wailing utterances of the first movement, the melancholy of the second, the buoyant spirit of the third, or the joyful vitality of the fourth, the characteristics of "fate" pervade the chief musical themes of all these movements. "Fate" is more than an outside force upon the rest of the symphony; it is its internal unity and subconscious as well. Thus, as music theorist and Tchaikovsky expert Henry Zajackowski rightly points out, Tchaikovsky "was not just engaging in artistic bravado" when he stated regarding this work: "The introduction is thc seed of the whole symphony, beyond question the main idea." So this seed grew and it sprung forth a Tchaikovsky masterpiece.
Abstract: This research examines the way university students learn and react in a service-learning environment within the classroom. This is an environment that not only works with more than one discipline (communication and music enterprises), but with these disciplines and the community together to develop and carry out a public event. Two hypotheses were raised from this research. Hypothesis A is that among these students, there is a direct relationship between interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work well within a group. Hypothesis B is that students working within an interdisciplinary environment have resistance working with issues from another discipline than their own. During the fall semester the two senior executives of the event observed the actions of two beginning public relations classes. The students in the classes served as junior account executives. Through many assignments and evaluations, the reactions of the students were monitored. After the event, the materials were gathered together indicating both strong and weak points of the project, and of those involved. The junior executives with lower interpersonal communication skills had more trouble working with the groups, and the students also had resistance working with issues not within their discipline as well.
Abstract: Understanding the importance of the black oral tradi1ion and using specific lyrics from rap and blues music, this paper points out the social and historical issues which songs of these genres address as an expression of and a voice against injustice, inequality and the oppressive nature of urban America.
Black culture is characterized by an oral tradition which is thc transmission of knowledge, ideas, and notions through oration. Tracing this tradition from Africa, through the slave trade, and urbanization it is a skill by which one gains respect and connects to the past. Boasting, toasting, and playing the dozens are modem forms of the black oral tradition in which urban blacks exhibit their skills as orators to gain respect in the face of a discouraging society.
Urban blues, stemming from slave songs and spirituals, for most musicians came to be a means of expressing and attempting to achieve catharsis among the oppressive conditions. Rap originating as a response to societal conditions, is rooted in the urban culture with its primary goal being the expression of problems of the community.
Through the comparison of rap and blues lyrics on topics such as urban living conditions, the search for one's identity, and the encouragement to continue living and striving, these songs exhibit the fact that musicians have been singing about the same sorts of urban problems for almost a century with little tangible results.